Module 7

Friedman begins this section of the reading with of the different countries work. He discusses how it is beneficial for some businesses to be run from different countries, and how this can help influence globalization because of us having to work together.  Different countries do things differently, and that is usually what gives them the extra push to be more globalized and efficient. Such as America, a lot of individuals have their own or free access to a computer, where some countries that may be very rare.  Friedman also mentioned everyone becoming more like America.  I don’t think that can happen completely thought, because every country has their own assets and advantages that they should play on, rather than becoming like America in the same way. I don’t think it could ever work completely because we are all different, but I do agree that some countries might become more like the U.S.. 

Different countries have different resources ready to access. They are able to obtain this material more easily than some other countries. This is part of why some countries regions do things better than other countries regions. If that is the supply in “demand and supply”, then the demand would be for work. Some countries might need more work for their economy and might accept a lower pay wage. Also education plays a role. India has more students studying engineering then other countries, so you are able to pay less then other competitors just because there are so many.  If you were in need of a engineer and they were rare, you would need to pay more for one to work for you.  Countries have taken what they can offer and use it to their advantage in globalizing, to not only make it in this world but to thrive.

Once reading about self-directed consumers i’ve realized most of us are one! I am because I know there is no better way to get what I want then to do it myself. Company’s offer great variety of selections, and the ones that offer the most becomes the best. This makes me think of Wal-mart. They have almost all the basics you can think of and their stores are easy to navigate and its all basically self-serve, like a buffet. “They are actually making their customers their employees and having them pay the company for the pleasure at the same time!” It seems so crazy but when you think about it, it really is efficient. You walk in a store looking for an apple, you have signs showing you where the produce section is, everything is labeled so you can pick the one you like, and then you can even use self check out! We can now navigate entire stores and get everything we need without speaking one word to an actual employee.

Globalization does mean Americanization, in my opinion.  America has advanced so much that we can create anything we want anytime we want it.  We spoil ourselves because it is so easy.  For the most part America doesn’t need to work with other countries as much as other countries need to work together, because we don’t need as much because we can do it ourselves. This is good and bad.  Good because we don’t need to relay on anyone, but bad because we don’t necessarily have to work together with the other countries.  If every country is Americanizing then eventually we wont need each other, and that can be scary.